Skipper's Smokehouse

Celebrating 25 Smokin' year, three Air Force buddies - Vince McGilvra, Tom White and Anders Bastman [bought out in 1988] purchased Skipper's in 1980. Skipper's has grown from a small smokehouse takeout operation with a Sunday Jam to a full service restaurant and purveyor of world-class music. Catering manager, Vicky Dodds, was just starting in the kitchen at that time. In 1984, Tom convinced General Manager Bonnie O'Connor to leave another oyster bar to work at Skipper's. She's still here, but the rival bar is long gone. Bar and service personnel include many long-term employees.

Skipper's has been recognized many times (reader and critic polls) as one of the best concert venues [800 capacity] in the Tampa Bay area. Skipper's stage sits under huge oaks facing a collection of benches, chairs, standing areas and picnic tables. A large covered tiki deck offers shelter from the summer and winter extremes. Fans create pleasant breezes in the long summer months and radiant propane heaters take the chill off on the rare cold evenings. Locals have fondly dubbed the backyard concert area as THE SKIPPERDOME.

Tags: skipper dome, reggae

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